The Future African Scientist Foundation (FASF) is a nonprofit organization strengthening Africa’s scientific ecosystem by advancing research mentorship, infrastructure access, and translational innovation
By 2050, Africa will be home to one of the world’s largest workforces, including millions of young scientists with the potential to solve local and global health challenges. Yet too many promising ideas never become real solutions—not because the science is weak, but because the systems to support scientists beyond training are missing.
Young scientists often lack mentorship, functional laboratories, and clear pathways into advanced training or innovation. As a result, research stalls and talent moves elsewhere. Strategic, patient investment—especially in biotechnology, immunology, and infectious disease—can build these pathways and turn scientific potential into real-world impact.
Explore a selection of translational projects supported by FAS that advance scientific discoveries from the laboratory to real-world impact.
Dr. Lum is developing a low-cost, rapid dipstick diagnostic for river blindness (Onchocerciasis), enabling early detection in low-resource and rural settings. The innovation replaces complex laboratory testing with a simple, point-of-care solution that can be deployed at scale to strengthen disease surveillance and expand access to treatment.
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Gloria founded ZoeCoats to develop affordable, plant-based edible coatings that extend the shelf life of fresh produce and reduce post-harvest losses. The innovation replaces synthetic preservatives with a natural, scalable solution that can be easily applied by farmers and food processors, strengthening food security and market access in low-resource settings.
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Numbu Holix, an FAS alumnus, placed third at the 2023 Falling Walls Lab competition for his stem cell–based approach to early pancreatic cancer detection. His work explores novel diagnostic markers using next-generation sequencing, offering a promising pathway toward earlier diagnosis of one of the world’s deadliest cancers.
Learn More About This ProjectOur work has been recognized and featured by leading institutions and media worldwide.
Watch firsthand accounts from the next generation of African scientists who are transforming their communities and careers through our programs.
Read about the experiences and achievements of other future African scientists who have benefited from FASF programs.
FAS empowers rising African scientists with the skills, mentorship, and confidence to turn ambitious research ideas into real-world impact.
The program strengthened my foundation in biotechnology and helped me see how rigorous science can be translated into real-world solutions. It clarified my research direction and gave me the confidence to pursue ambitious, impact-driven ideas.
This course reshaped how I approach biotechnology research. It provided clear guidance on research planning, proposal development, and scientific communication, while mentorship from experienced scientists made the journey both practical and inspiring.
Your support enables us to bridge the gap between Africa's immense scientific talent and the resources needed to turn promising ideas into life-changing innovations.
Identifying and supporting Africa’s brightest scientists through technical skill development and mentorship.
Enabling learning and innovation through access to modern research infrastructure.
Connecting African scientists with global networks, and industry partners to accelerate scientific impact.
FASF exists to deepen and scale this impact by unlocking flexible, long-term funding for African-led science.
Your investment expands scientific capacity, opens access to essential research infrastructure, and strengthens the pipeline that retains Africa's scientific talent on the continent.
